Consultation on decommissioning begins

French nuclear regulators have initated a public consultation on nuclear plant decommissioning plans. The Autorité de sûreté nucléaire (Nuclear Safety Authority, ASN) said it had made the decision in the light developments such as the passing of a law on transparency in nuclear materials management in June 2006, new International Atomic Energy Agency standards and the work of Wenra (a non-governmental organisation comprised of senior nuclear safety regulators from across Europe). A draft document has been sent to stakeholders such as nuclear plant operators, environmental associations and local authorities introducing ASN's policies on decommissioning and demolishing nuclear plants in France, and inviting comment. The general public will also be able to make comments through ASN's website. The consultation ends on 31 May.

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